IPL 2021: Team-wise one 'X-Factor' player in the season

8. Rashid Khan (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

If anyone is tasked with making a T20 team right now and asked to have one spinner in their line-up from around the world, more often than not, they will choose Rashid Khan. The Afghanistan leg-spinner is one spinner who has troubled most of the batsmen, who has faced him. In the IPL as well, he has looked to dominate the batsmen. 

However, his biggest strength over the years has changed. Initially, giving him your wickets was the way but as batsmen have started to adjust with his spin and mystery, they have resorted to not give him wickets and managed to quietly go past his overs. This is a huge advantage of Sunrisers Hyderabad, as they can be assured of at least four overs, which won’t be that expensive. 

In the last season, Khan’s economy was 5.37. He also managed 20 scalps during the course of the season. Another factor with which he can turn the match towards his team is with some crucial runs in the lower order. His strike rate in T20 cricket is close to 150 and in an ideal scenario, his contribution can be the difference between the winning team and the losing team.